Latest Firmware Update For Nintendo Switch Adds Support For Bluetooth Audio Drivers

For current talks in regards to the future of Nintendo Switch, specifically the hardware, it is reported that the beefier model for Nintendo’s handheld hybrid console is to be revealed later in 2021. From a report by Bloomberg, the outlet indicates that the unannounced SKU will feature a OLED screen which is less straining on the battery and potentially decrease latency when in use. But as for confirmed enhancements to games currently for Nintendo Switch, Epic Games recently released a patch to Fortnite which improves both resolution and performance for the respected version. Now, the battle royale is said to perform more consistently and with a higher resolution as well. Elsewhere recently, Nintendo in its latest 12.0.0 update welcomed a new feature to the Nintendo Switch firmware. In that, it is discovered support for Bluetooth audio drivers are now assigned to the system’s capabilities, as per the finding on SwitchBrew and relayed by Twitter user @OatmealDome. Most notably, Nintendo Switch does not feature Bluetooth compatibility for wireless headsets or other wire-free audio devices. As a result of that, manufacturer Bionik created a Bluetooth Wireless Adapter for Nintendo Switch that can introduce the feature to the device – even when docked. But with the new discovery, purchasing third-party accessories will not be necessary in the coming future. In regards to performance of Nintendo hardware, it is recently reported by NPD Group’s Mat Piscatella that the Nintendo Switch is ranked second in best selling hardware in dollars for Nintendo, behind the Nintendo DS which is still first. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you hope Bluetooth support comes to Nintendo Switch soon?
Tease For New Apex Legends Announcement Takes Place This Monday After Game Accumulates 100M Players

Although there are close to a dozen different battle royale experiences to choose from, Respawn Entertainment’s Apex Legends continues to prove to be a money maker for publisher Electronic Arts. Most notably, it is reported that there is a 30 percent increase in player turnout per year since the release of Apex Legends in early 2019. Additionally, the statistics gives Electronic Arts the green light to initiate the launch for the game’s mobile ports aimed for 2022. Last recorded back in October 2019, Apex Legends was discovered to accumulate more than 70 million users in the eight month span since the inception of the first-person, online shooter. Even more, the title in its first week of launching was recorded to already harbored more than 25 million players with no premature marketing for the game. Now in a new announcement on Wednesday, Respawn Entertainment announced on Twitter that Apex Legends now sits over 100 million users. Even more, the developer also presses that it is “just getting started” with some early teases for season 9 in the brief video. In the past month, Apex Legends has been noted to circle in on its roots to Titanfall as per a statement from game director, Chad Grenier. “Next season, Season 9, you’re actually going to see a ton of Titanfall coming back into the game one way or another,” He adds, “So, I have told some people before – if you’re a Titanfall fan, then hang on for Season 9 cause you’re going to see some cool stuff in there.” Currently, Apex Legends is kicking off its War Games Event. In that, there are five limited time game modes that swap the traditional social trios & duo playlists. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for what is to come in season 9 for Apex Legends? Apex Legends is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC; comes to Nintendo Switch; playable via backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5.
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Support For Warframe Is Out Now

Back in November 2020, developer Digital Extremes announced that a reworking for Warframe is underway for the fleet of next-generation consoles. However, the update in mind is only listed to be arriving to PlayStation 5 as of the initial report. But, there were exclusive perks that users on Xbox Series X|S could redeem at the time of the announcement. And while the timeframe for Microsoft’s consoles were left vacant initially, the update is now available on the latest iteration of Xbox hardware. On Tuesday, Digital Extremes pressed on the next-generation enhancements for Xbox Series X|S and issues similar attributed as you might expect. Mainly Warframe being 4K, 60 frames per second on Xbox Series X while the latter Xbox Series S is 1080p with the same performance. You can watch the new trailer for the Xbox Series X|S versions in the video below: But while Warframe was originally reported to get a PlayStation 5 version last fall, Digital Extremes frames the Xbox Series X|S updates to be “our first next-gen update” in the Xbox Wire blog post. “It seems fitting to start this new chapter with a new story, new gameplay, a new Warframe, and improved gameplay systems that are currently live but in need of refinement, such as our Railjack mode,” Lesley Milner, Digital Extremes’ Senior Producer writes. “Call of the Tempestarii takes the space fantasy to new heights by putting you at the helm of a colossal spaceship called the Railjack. Customizable, upgradeable, and dangerous, the Railjack battleship gives you the opportunity to pilot, fight, command a crew, and wield an unstoppable weapon against your enemies.” The new Railjack systemdelivers more of what you’ve asked for… our iconic close-quarter-action combat, large ship-to-ship battles, and space exploration. We’ve renovated and simplified countless systems to reduce the grind and requirements so you can more easily collect, fight, and explore the Origin System. Once you set out, you’ll notice that space flight is integrated with the larger universe of Warframe — more diverse game modes, streamlined rewards and new missions. We also integrated Necramechs for you to equip a mech-like killing machine to obliterate enemies on Railjack missions. Do you plan to download Warframe on Xbox Series X/Xbox Series S, or head over to the PlayStation 5 version? Warframe is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch; available via backwards compatibility for PlayStation 5. Source: Xbox Wire
Despite Criticisms Of Cyberpunk 2077’s Launch, CD Projekt Red Does Not Plan To Abandon The IP

Dating back to more than a year ago, you could not convince many fans at the time that Cyberpunk 2077 would be in the position it is in right now. The game, while praised in some aspects, proves to be a cardinal sin in other avenues that rubs players the wrong way. Of course, that is in reference to the game’s version on the previous Xbox One & PlayStation 4 systems. The issue became so apparent that even Sony Interactive Entertainment had to step in to relinquish any more problems from manifesting. Its answer, remove the game from the PlayStation Store. And now nearly half a year since the original release of the game and Cyberpunk 2077 is still nowhere to be seen on the digital storefront. Most recently, CD Projekt Red commented to possibly dismantle the standalone multiplayer project for Cyberpunk 2077 as it would “reconsider” the pursuit. But in a new interview with Reuters, the Polish game studio insists that it will not abandon the release altogether. I don’t see an option to shelve Cyberpunk 2077. We are convinced that we can bring the game to such a state that we can be proud of it and therefore successfully sell it for years to come. While the future for CD Projekt Red is still left uncertain now with Cyberpunk 2077 on the reworking phase, there is a possible forecast to speed through the damage already dealt. In that, the Polish developer just recently acquired Digital Scapes Studios and converting the support studio into a new Canadian branch, CD Projekt Red Vancouver. Noted, CD Projekt Red is also in the middle of legal battles for the unsatisfying launch for Cyberpunk 2077. But more interesting is the investigation being performed by Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. If more trouble sourced internally is uncovered, the group will look towards disciplining CD Projekt Red. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your opinion on how Cyberpunk 2077 was managed since its release? Cyberpunk 2077 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S< PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Stadia. Source: Reuters
Read The Full Rundown For April 2021’s Nintendo Indie World

In preparation for the Nintendo Switch’s future, CEO Shuntaro Furukawa insists that the latter half of the console’s lifecycle will be sure to include new additions that have yet to be announced. “I always say that the Switch is around the middle [stage] of its life cycle,” Furukawa explains. “We’re able to offer a wide variety of different games because the Switch is both a home and portable console, but there’s much more that can still be done in the coming years.” But in a separate interview more recently, Furukawa adds more context to the situation. In that, the Japanese company will pursue new intellectual properties while will incorporating its in-house franchises, namely The Legend of Zelda & Super Mario. But, Nintendo is not easing on its support for independent studios as well. In a new Nintendo Indie World livestream, there are more than a dozen of games that players should keep an eye out in the approaching months. You can read the full list below: Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield – This is not your typical “runner” game! Run, jump, slide and dash through a futuristic Tokyo-styled Detroit to a head-bopping soundtrack as the protagonist Wally to save what’s left of the future.art of rally – Will you master the art of rally? Drive iconic cars inspired by the golden era of rally racing on challenging stages through stylized environments set around the world. Aztech Forgotten Gods – Gain powerful arm upgrades, traverse different areas within an advanced Mesoamerican metropolis and encounter all sorts of characters to uncover ancient secrets.Beasts of Maravilla Island – In this 3D adventure game, take on the role of a young wildlife photographer who traverses Maravilla Island’s magical ecosystems to discover extraordinary creatures, learn their behaviors and, most importantly, photograph their majesty. Cris Tales – Drawing inspiration from classic and modern JRPGs incorporates time traveling into its storyline and combat with a variety of surprise effects, like making enemies younger and thus easier to defeat. While exploring this handcrafted, dark fairy-tale world, you’ll recruit a diverse cast of allies and discover new realms.ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights – In this dark fantasy 2D action-RPG, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.FEZ – A 2D creature living in a 2D world. Or is he? When the existence of a mysterious third dimension is revealed to him, Gomez is sent out on a journey that will take him to the very end of time and space. Use your ability to navigate 3D structures from four distinct classic 2D perspectives.GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon – Showcasing a stylized Japanese aesthetic delivers a dynamic hack-and-slash roguelite experience, filled with perilous dungeons, fierce boss battles and intense, skill-based combat.Hindsight – A poignant narrative game about an older woman reminiscing about her family. The objects from her past serve as portals into long-lost memories, revealing a decision that forever changed her life.KeyWe – A cute, cooperative postal puzzler starring two small kiwi birds working in a whimsical post office. They must jump, flap and butt-slam across an interactive landscape of levers, bells and buttons to get those messages delivered on time!Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective – Adapted from the children’s book series, Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective takes you across incredibly detailed mazes to retrieve a powerful artifact. On your quest, you will interact with more than 500 items or characters, find over 100 hidden objects and wander about in beautiful locations. Last Stop – A single-player third-person adventure set in modern-day London, where you play as three separate characters whose worlds collide in the midst of a supernatural crisis. What connects these three strangers? Where will fate lead them? OlliOlli World – Tear up the streets of Radland and search for the mystical skate gods in this slick action platformer. With super-tight controls and level design that flows with your combos, you’ll have a blast mastering tricks, meeting colorful characters and discovering the hidden secrets of this vivid and vibrant world. Oxenfree II: Lost Signals – A supernatural narrative adventure game about a researcher who stumbles upon ghostly happenings. Five years after the events of OXENFREE, Riley returns to her hometown of Camena to investigate mysterious radio frequency signals causing curious disturbances.Road 96 – In a narrative-focused game with a mix of adventure, exploration and puzzle-solving, Road 96 tells a procedural story with thousands of potential paths to take. Meet characters from all walks of life and learn their intertwining stories. The decisions you make – both big and small – can drastically alter your experience. There are many roads. Which one will you take?Skul: The Hero Slayer – Take on an entire army to rescue your king in this 2D fast-action roguelite. And the best part? To progress in the game, you’ll need to swap abilities, which is done by swapping … heads! With 90 playable character variations, each with their own special abilities, you might think you’re out of your skull in real life! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge – With a blend of retro and modern visuals finds the four favorite turtles kicking some serious shell in classic arcade-style beat-’em-up action.THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake – The classic arcade rail-shooter is back with a new makeover and exciting gameplay changes! In this multiplayer game, you’ll suit up as a pair of government agents sent to investigate disappearances only to find hordes of undead monstrosities.The Longing – Unlike anything you have played before! The big twist: You don’t actually have to play to see how it ends! But that doesn’t mean you should just sit idly by. As main character. Shade, you must wait 400 days for your king to awaken. While waiting, you can explore dark caves, complete time-based puzzles and collect items.There is No Game: Wrong Dimension – A point-and-click comedy adventure filled with riddles and puzzles. If you’re looking for something different and experimental that’s full of surprises, look no further.Weaving Tides – Call
Subnautica: Below Zero Receives New Cinematic Trailer, Digital Pre-Orders Live Now For May Release Date

While Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s Subnautica sits at just three years since of its official release, the underwater exploration title happens to be also be recognized for its build when in Early Access years prior. And following the debut in 2018, the game studio continued with periodic patches and updates to keep Subnautica alive for years to come. Even with the game being part of the free game program over on Epic Games Store a few holidays back, the title for sure continues to spread influence as more players experience it. Moving forward, it is no secret that Unknown Worlds Entertainment is working on a new project, Subnautica: Below Zero. The game was previously announced to arrive this May, but, a new cinematic trailer was published on Tuesday as pre-orders for the game goes live on digital storefronts. You can watch the latest trailer in the video below: “Submerge yourself in an all-new, sub-zero expedition in an arctic region of Planet 4546B. Arriving with little more than your wits and some survival equipment, you set out to investigate what happened to your sister…,” the description for the game reads on Steam. “Swim beneath the blue-lit, arching expanses of Twisty Bridges. Become mesmerized by the glittering, mammoth crystals of the Crystal Caverns. “Clamber up snow covered peaks and venture into the icy caves of Glacial Basin. Maneuver between erupting Thermal Vents to discover ancient alien artifacts. Below Zero presents entirely new environments for you to survive, study, and explore. Survive the harsh climate by constructing extensive habitats, scavenging for resources, and crafting equipment. Blast across the snowy tundra on a Snowfox hoverbike. Cruise through enchanting and perilous biomes in your modular Seatruck.” Are you excite for the soon release for Subnautica: Below Zero? Subnautica: Below Zero arrives on May 14, 2021 for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Source: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Latest Job Listing Uncovered For Cloud Chamber’s Bioshock Reveals Work To Create Stories For “An Open-World Setting”

Although the saddening discovery of developer Irrational Games closing still burdens fans anticipating a new game from the development team, that does not discount a new Bioshock title from arriving. Previously, publisher 2K announced to be forming a dedicated game studio for the project, Cloud Chamber. However, anticipating when the game will arrive is another story. In a earnings call from 2K parent company Take-Two Interactive, the conglomerate discloses that the Bioshock project is still “several years” away from its release. But, details on the project appears to still leak through the confidential cracks. In that, one job listing for the game asking for a Lead Environment Modeler implicates the game may not be set in either Rapture or Columbia. “We want you to set the example, leading effort to help us breathe life into a new and fantastical world,” the posting asks. But in a new job listing in search for a Senior Writer, Cloud Chamber phrases to be hiring a possible candidate to write in anticipation for an “open-world setting.” Experience in writing for games, with a particular aptitude for managing the nuances of interactive storytelling, would be ideal for this role. We’re hoping to find someone who can weave impactful, character-driven stories in an open world setting. Upon reading more into the job listing, Cloud Chamber also asks for other qualifications and skills that might benefit the possible hiree’s chances in the position. One asks that the candidate has a “deep understanding and knowledge of story logic, plotting, and the intersection of game and narrative design.” So perhaps more mind-bending storytelling is anticipated as runoff from Bioshock: Infinite. While discussion of the next game is a prominent bullet point currently, there is also discussion for a television show in the works. Giant Freaking Robot reports that there is a episodic series that is currently underway in collaboration with Netflix. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hoping will be in the newest Bioshock game? Source: Cloud Chamber
Former Studio Lead Suggets Days Gone Sequel Exempt From Sequel For Being Short On Sales, Mentions Of Co-Op Aimed For Follow-up

When reviewing the lineup of anticipated releases for PlayStation 4, many of the titles that arrived proved to be impressive sellers on behalf of the studios and internal teams that worked under Sony Interactive Entertainment. Titles like Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II being awarded Game of the Year at December’s The Game Awards. Or more recently with the new pursuit in regards to Ghost of Tsushima. In that, the Sucker Punch Productions’ developed title is already planned to being adapted into a full-length film. While plans for the coming motion picture is still premature, PlayStation Pictures alongside 87Eleven Entertainment is already told to be involved with the production. Additionally, John Wick Director Chad Stahelski is to be taking the chair for the film also. However, not everything that came to PlayStation 4 is all grandeur in reality. In fact, some don’t receive a follow-up. In a recent report from Bloomberg, it is indicated that Days Gone falls victim to this. Now in a new interview with Days Gone director Jeff Ross, he elaborates that the sales did not meet Sony’s expectations for a second game. Ross starts by stating, “I don’t think it’s publicly confirmed what the status of it [Days Gone 2] is. I don’t want to be the guy who’s the official source for whatever that is.” But, he goes on to discuss the cost for production and how the turnout for investment might work in the perspective of the PlayStation company. To answer your question, in that context though, I will just say that the calculus for Sony at this point is… when a game like Days Gone started, we were 45 people, we were walking around asking,” how we could build an open-world game with 45 people”, and the answer was we grew. We changed our number from 45 to something like 100- 120. There was a starting budget for Days Gone, which was big, and it’s not where we ended. We ended at a much higher number and I think that number is the starting point for the next one. Sony with these big triple-A games […] they’re not cheap games to make. The first Syphon Filter I think cost $1m or $2m. The second one was definitely $2m because we did it in a year. So the return of investment on those is great – for games where you have to sell four of five million copies just to break even. There’s got to be a confidence in the return, because Sony doesn’t have the cash that Microsoft does and they’ve got to use it very intelligently and they’ve got to stay focused on a diverse portfolio. But although the uncertainty of a Days Gone sequel is apparent, Ross cannot be certain especially since he is not at Bend Studio anymore. However, he does later in the discussion disclose some interesting features that were planned for the second game. “We wanted co-op from the beginning [in Days Gone], but obviously you have to make concessions for what you’re not going to be able to do. “But then take this world that you’ve built, and all these assets and systems, and repurpose them for some sort of similarly themed multiplayer version of this universe. So [it] would be with guys like Deacon trying to survive, building up a clubhouse or a crew. I think it would be fun to be in that world cooperatively and see what horde battles could be like.” Most interesting is that it appears both Bend Studio and Guerrilla Games aim for a similar outcome with its sequels. In a previous report from Video Game Chronicles, the developer planned to orchestrate cooperative features into the follow-up that did not make it into the first game. You can read the full report by heading here. Would you play Days Gone 2 if it ever released?
Report: New Jak & Daxter Not In Development, But Naughty Dog “Wishes” It Was

While the next-generation of console hardware has already commenced with the release of the Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5, there appears to be a greater understanding for the plans from the likes of Sony Interactive Entertainment. In that, the firm states to be honing in its focus to AAA, blockbuster releases and its big-name developers leading forwards, a report from Bloomberg tells. In a surprise, this appears to be the opposite of what Nintendo plans to approach in the future. CEO Shuntaro Furukawa states, “In the future, we will focus on creating new game series as well as long-sellers such as Mario and Zelda.” So while new content enters the pipeline, the remnant franchises are also to receive some airtime as well. But, despite the decision from Sony Interactive Entertainment, teams do not agree with the decision. When speaking at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Science’s game Maker’s Notebook series, being transcribed by Video Game Chronicles, Naughty Dog explains its interest to make a new Jak & Daxter game. We do, in fact [get asked to make a new Jak & Daxter]. We’ve had a couple of Twitter campaigns where people have been tweeting us every single day [asking] “I want a new Jak & Daxter, I want a new Jak & Daxter”, and they aren’t just simple 280-character tweets, they have Photoshopped memes and everything they’re including on a daily basis, and the effort has got to be significant. And I hate to break it to them, [but] we do not have Jak & Daxter here in development right now. But we still love the characters and I see what you guys [at Insomniac] are doing with Ratchet and that makes me wish that we did, and we would have one in development, because there’s still a lot of love for Jak & Daxter in the studio. Evan Wells, Naughty Dog Co-President So while Sony Interactive Entertainment does not appear to be emphasizing its energy to a new title, there has been evident support for players to experience the game. In the past, the PlayStation company in collaboration with Limited Run Games greenlit the arrangement with Naughty Dog to print a physical version of the game back in 2018. Noted, that does not suggest Sony Interactive Entertainment is not in favor of legacy franchise. In fact, a new installment is underway for Ratchet and Clank with Rift Apart. The upcoming entry is said to arrive later this June. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you wish a new Jak & Daxter was in development? Source: Video Game Chronicles
New Claim Suggests Unannounced Metal Gear Solid IP being Licensed Out Is Being Licensed Out By Konami

In the current age of gaming, the remnants of Konami reside in the memories of fans from prior generations. While the Japanese publisher is nowhere near closing shop, many of its beloved franchises are currently dormant. Since the departure of Hideo Kojima back in 2015 from the firm, flagship series like Silent Hill and Metal Gear both eradiate radio silence with no plans apparent for the mainline releases. However, there is hope through rumors for the future of the aforementioned series. On claim suggests that Konami will be selling off its rights for the two alongside Castlevania to Sony Interactive Entertainment as the PlayStation company reboots each series. However, there has yet to be any fulfilling evidence that support the rumor as of writing. Although Video Game Chronicles did come later to state that Konami is outsourcing for Silent Hill to another Japanese studio; that will not arrive until this summer. But elsewhere, a similar story is being spun for Metal Gear. In a recent episode of the H.A.M. Radio Podcast, AngryCentaurGaming indicates that a new IP is being licensed out by Konami. “Apparently they’re [Konami] licensing it out [Metal Gear],” ACG-Gaming responds in the discussion. He later went on to clarify on what he heard through the grapevine to provoke the claim. I was simply stating I had heard from a source, the same that informed of the Xbox boost the Death loop delay, Bloodlines, and the other stuff I had talked about as saying this happening and that Metal Gear ITSELF was in some way UP for grabs. Which then popped up in this discussion about Kojima(you guys SHOULD know I am not a huge Kojima follower as a person and don’t work on personal leaks really ever as I find it a bit creepy). That source has been reliable all this year so I said it. I don’t have the time to really discuss bs so I don’t repeat most. But they were right about the Bloodlines stuff the Deathloop stuff. So I figured it was worthy. Currently, it is unsure as to what entity is being licensed to for the unannounced project. However, the conversation is spun to aim Kojima Productions, of course. Most recently, claims arose suggesting that Microsoft & Kojima Productions are closing in on a deal to work on a new project. GamesBeat Jeff Grubb tells that Phil Spencer with the studio’s ‘Luden’ statue is what tipped off the teaser months prior. In the past, Microsoft has proven to hold a strong relationship with Hideo Kojima in the past back when Don Mattrick was in Phil Spencer’s shoes. But, that bond evidently withered away as Kojima Productions later received publishing for Death Stranding leading to the game’s release later in 2019. As for how tangible the claim might be is up for interpretation. ACG-Gaming told that the rumor is from a source that has been correct before with Far Cry Primal, so there’s that. But, you can also leave it to be decided at E3 this June. Organizers said that Konami will be present alongside the likes of Ubisoft, Xbox, and Nintendo as well. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you hoping a new Metal Gar game is underway? Source: Reddit